Robinson Inc. Wins Manufacturer of the Year

Custom metal solutions supplier wins in the Large Business category

(De Pere, Wis.) Feb. 20, 2026 — Robinson, Inc., a leading custom metal manufacturer headquartered in De Pere, Wisconsin, received top honors in the large business category at the annual Manufacturer of the Year competition. This is the second time Robinson has earned the honor and the firm was one of six finalists from across the state in this category. The award was presented at the annual ceremony held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Feb. 19, 2026.

In accepting the award, Robinson President Sam Thomas credited the 950 employees at five facilities for their dedication to continued innovation and craftsmanship.

“We recently celebrated 50 years in business,” Thomas said, “but in the last decade we have transformed the company from a hybrid job-shop model to an integrated contract manufacturer that provides skilled services to deliver a fully integrated product to our customers.”

In less than ten years, Robinson’s revenue has grown sixfold, from $58 million in 2016 to $350 million booked for the current fiscal year. Thomas said growth is the result of adapting modern manufacturing processes and focusing on operational excellence, financial responsibility, creating a culture of shared accountability, and investing in the community through workforce development.

Since its beginning as a metal fabrication company, the firm now focuses on designing, building, and installing custom enclosures for back-up power generators, energy storage systems, pump enclosures, and battery energy storage. In 2023, Robinson transitioned to an ESOP and is 100% employee owned.

“Our culture has always been it’s not about the owners, it’s about how we invest in the organization and the team,” Thomas said. “Expanding our business and creating an ESOP helps align the team to pull in the same direction. With employee ownership we all share in the outcome which is success through innovation and exceeding our customers’ expectations.”

For more information, visit Robinson Inc. online.

About Robinson Inc.: Robinson is a single-source metal solutions provider based in De Pere, Wisconsin. Robinson offers design, manufacturing and production fabrication. From concept and design through factory testing, delivery and installation, customers rely on Robinson for end-to-end solutions. Robinson was recognized as Manufacturer of the Year in 2019 by Baker Tilly, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, and Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce (WMC). The company employs over 950 people at five facilities in Northeast Wisconsin and serves customers nationwide. For more information, visit https://www.robinsoninc.com/